Operation Global Rain

How The Lord is using me in His Work

Posted by: matt allen | Sat, Apr 12, 2008 3:05 am | Tag(s): Testimonies, Prayer Requests, Bible Verses, Translations, English, Spanish, Polish, Japanese, Français, Dutch, Hungarian, Bahasa Indonesia, Romanian, German | Write Comment | Permalink |

I want to share this testimony of how God is using me during this Global Rain Operation to share His Love and Truth! My name is Matthew J. Allen, Although I am a native of Lowell, Ma. I have lived here in Up-State New York for about the last 27 years off and on. I first left Massachusetts in 1972 for reasons beyond my control, I tell the story in my book. In-fact, the many events that happened in the book and most of the people mentioned in the book are all from either Lowell, Ma or the east coast area- nearby Up-State New York.It was later from this move to New York that I found out about Adventist and was baptised into Christ as a SDA in 1976 I was 21 years old. I am employed by the State of New York in Albany. But I am currently out of work with a physical disability injury. Now that I am home with this disability I have had time to finish my manuscript that I have been working on for the last 2 years. I wanted to be involved in this Global Rain Operation and being disabled I asked the Lord to show me what I could do to give the Everlasting Gospel Message and He impressed upon me to finish the book. It covers in great detail the four angel’s of Revelation, but it lifts up Christ as the center of it all. I asked the Lord to help me complete the book to His Glory and I completed most of it on 7/7/07 and now it is being published and promoted in book stores. So I thank and praise the Lord, that although I am physically disabled, I can still work with Him to bring love and salvation to souls and Glory to Him! A major book Publisher was impressed with the book and agreed to publish it. I chose and wanted to have a non-Adventist Publishing Company publish and promote it to get it in all book stores not just Adventist, so more non- Adventist could find the truth through it.

Following, here is a copy of the Press Release issued today April 11, 2008 about my book.Frederick, MD April 11, 2008 — PublishAmerica is proud to present Convincing Evidence of God: Subtitle: Revelation’s Four Messengers - Final Events Predicted, by Matthew James Allen of Stephentown, New York.

Matthew James Allen is a fifty-two-year-old male,married with children, an active born-again Christian, and a native of Lowell, Massachusetts. “I am amazed as I study the Holy Bible and see that prophecies are being fulfilled just as the Holy Bible predicted war and rumors of wars and other last-day signs of the times, including America in prophecy,” Allen said. “To show you very convincing evidence of God-Jesus Christ, we will investigate these Bible prophecies.” Allen has served in his church as a colporteur minister, evangelist, personal ministries director and Bible worker for several years. He has studied Bible theology for about twenty-five years and the writings of many scholars and great theologians, and he has learned much to share in this book that reveals God’s love and plans for you and planet earth, including last-day prophecies.What is God really like? Is the Bible the truth, and why? Are the Ten Commandments important? Understand the book of Revelation. What is the mark of the beast? What is genuine righteousness by faith? Is Christ coming soon? Are we living in the last days, and much more! Some topics in this book are very controversial, interpretations different than you have ever heard before, but we must allow the Bible to interpret itself. Prayerfully investigate these things for yourself and determine the truth. Lord God, “Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth” (John 17:17). “And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:23)

The book also shares my younger years growing up in the 1970’s as a hippie, gangster, and military soldier to a SDA Christian too! I would like to have some book reviews to use to help market the book in more Adventist and nonAdventist book stores and book signings. I will send a free copy of the book to anyone that request it and will write a good review of it. Although the book is avialable online from the Publisher, it will not be in all the book stores until about 4-6 weeks.

PublishAmerica is the home of 30,000 talented authors. PublishAmerica is a traditional publishing company whose primary goal is to encourage and promote the works of new, previously undiscovered writers. Like more mainstream publishers, PublishAmerica pays its authors advances and royalties, makes its books available in both the United States and Europe through all bookstores, and never charges any fees for its services. PublishAmerica offers a distinctly personal, supportive alternative to vanity presses and less accessible publishers.

For more information or comments you can email me: matthew_nys@yahoo.com Publisher’s website: www.PublishAmerica.com To order the book go to new release section. Or put in the ISBN ORDER NUMBER 1-60563-039-X

Visit my personal website detailing more info. about me and the book: www.ConvincingEvidenceOfGod.com May our Lord Jesus Christ Bless and Guide you continually! Matthew Allen

Ein Jünger Jesu Christi bin ich. Die folgende Aussage hat mir der HERR selbst gezeigt, nachdem ich in dem Musikseminar mit Nicola Taubert war. Daher ist das folgende Script eine Folge davon, wie mir das Bruder Taubert beigebracht hat. Es hat folgenden Text

Prediger 3, 15:
“Was immer sich auch ereignet oder noch ereignen wird - alles ist schon einmal da gewesen. Gott lässt von neuem geschehen, was in Vergessenheit geriet.”

Das Gleiche gilt auch für die Musik. Es gibt heute, in aller Munde die Rock- und Popmusik. Die Meisten glauben, dass diese Musik neu ist. Die Rock- und Popmusik ist uralt. In der Encarta fand ich folgenden Text:
“~~Voodoo~~, Wodu, Vodu, vor allem in Haïti verbreitete afroamerikanische Religion, die aber
auch in Kuba, Trinidad, Brasilien und dem Süden der USA (etwa im Bundesstaat Louisiana) praktiziert wird.

Das Wort Voodoo stammt aus Togo: Ewe wudu bedeutet Schutzgeist, aber auch Gott. Voodoo verbindet Elemente des Katholizismus mit Stammesreligionen aus Westafrika (besonders Benin), die ab dem 16. Jahrhundert von den versklavten Menschen mitgebracht wurden (so etwa von den Fon aus Dahome). Im Gegensatz zu manchen anderen Religionen basiert Voodoo nicht auf Schriften, sondern auf der Praktizierung von Riten.

In den Voodoo-Kulten wird ein höchster Gott Bondye (französisch Bon Dieu: der gute Gott) verehrt. Daneben existieren jedoch weitere Götter, so u. a. der Vermittler zwischen Göttern und Menschen Legba oder Papa Legba, der Fruchtbarkeitsgott Damballah (Schlange) und seine Gattin Ayida-Weddo, die Regenbogengöttin (”Herrin der Himmelsschlange”). Außerdem existiert im Voodoo ein ausgeprägter Ahnen- und Totenkult. Auch Geister, die so genannten Loa oder Orixa, werden angebetet. Loa variieren je nach Region. Bei ihnen handelt es sich um afrikanische Götterwesen, denen die Züge katholischer Heiliger oder auch Engel übertragen wurden. Weitere katholische Elemente des Voodoo sind Kerzen, Glocken, Kreuze, Gebete, das Taufritual sowie das Schlagen des Kreuzzeichens. Zu den afrikanischen Kultelementen gehören Tanz, Trommeln, der Zombie-Glaube und die Verehrung der Ahnen.

Voodoo-Zeremonien werden von einem Priester, dem so genannten Houngan, geleitet oder von einer Priesterin, die Mambo genannt wird. Während des Rituals rufen die Gläubigen durch Trommeln, Tanzen und Singen die Loa herbei, damit sie von den Tänzern Besitz ergreifen. Jeder Tänzer verhält sich dann in einer für den Geist typischen Weise. Während sich der Tänzer in Trance oder Ekstase befindet, vollzieht er Heilungen und erteilt Weisungen. Man unterscheidet weißmagische (Umbanda) und schwarzmagische (Quimbanda) Riten. Bei blutigen Zeremonien werden Tiere geopfert (die vorher ihr “Einverständnis” gegeben haben müssen), um schwarzmagische Einflüsse zu brechen oder Gottheiten zu besänftigen.

Die französischen Kolonialherren auf Haïti sowie die katholischen Missionare verurteilten
und bekämpften den Voodoo-Kult, da sie ihn als gefährlich und heimtückisch ansahen, vor allem wegen der Zauberkulte. Er existierte jedoch als Geheimkult unvermindert weiter.
Heute bekennen sich etwa 90 Prozent der Haïtianer zum Voodoo-Glauben, ein Großteil davon sind zugleich Christen. Angesichts der weiterhin anhaltenden Ausbreitung von Voodoo, speziell in die afrikanischen Ursprungsländer wie Benin, Nigeria oder Togo, wird die Anhängerschaft weltweit auf 50 Millionen Menschen geschätzt. Bedeutende Voodoo-Gemeinden gibt es außer in den Vereinigten Staaten besonders auch in Brasilien. Auch in Europa werden im Rahmen esoterischer Praktiken Elemente des Voodoo übernommen, etwa indem Manipulationen an Puppen bewirken sollen, dass bestimmte Personen zu Schaden kommen. Voodoo ist ein Kult der untersten sozialen Schichten vorwiegend solcher Gesellschaften, die weitgehend aus Analphabeten bestehen.”
Microsoft(r) Encarta(r) Professional 2002. (c) 1993-2001 Microsoft Corporation.
Der Voodoo ist einige tausend Jahre alt. Warum ist die Rock- und Popmusik neu? Anhand dieses o. gen. Lexikons ist die Rock- und Popmusik genauso alt wie der Voodoo-Kult.
Daher ist hier Vorsicht geboten.
Denn Ellen Gould White schrieb damals folgenden Artikel:

Aus: E. G. White und die Musik von Paul Hamel

Seite 46
“Durch ihre Reisegewohnheiten - sie wohnten in Gasthäusern oder bei Freunden - kamen die Whites oft zwangsläufig mit der damals populären Musik. Um die Aussagen Ellen Whites, die sie in Bezug auf die Populärmusik und ihre Beziehung zum Christen gemacht hat, im 20. Jahrhundert richtig interpretieren und verstehen zu können, müssen sie aus der rechten Perspektive betrachtet werden, nämlich vor dem Hintergrund der Musik, die in der Zeit, als die Aussagen niedergeschrieben wurden, gerade populär war. Was kann nun in Kürze über die Merkmale und den Einfluss, der von dieser Art der Musik gegen Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts ausging, gesagt werden?
Eine vorsichtige Bewertung der Populärmusik verschiedenster Generationen lässt die Neigung zur Banalität und oft sogar zur Unsittlichkeit erkennen, gepaart mir Melodien, denen es an jeglicher Aussagekraft mangelt. Weil die populären Lieder der jeweiligen Zeit Ausdruck für den Geschmack der Masse sind, werden sie schon mit der Absicht geschrieben, die Massen anzusprechen. Ein hervorragender Experte der Populärmusik-Geschichte fasst dies folgendermaßen zusammen:
Als Beitrag zur Kultur des Landes bewegt sich die Unterhaltungsmelodie auf Grund
ihrer Wertverwandtschaft mit dem Comic Strip auf einer Ebene. Beide sind aktuell,
gelegentlich satirisch, manchmal sentimental oder komisch-heroisch, aber eigentlich stets
oberflächlich. Ein anderer wichtiger Musikexperte hat Folgendes über die Populärmusik zur Zeit der Whites zu sagen:
Bis zur Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts war bereits ziemlich klar geworden, dass das weibliche Geschlecht nicht unbedingt mit Heiligkeit bekleidet war. … Die Liebelei wurde
endlich rechtmäßig als Wissenschaft betrachtet, und ihre technischen Details erschienen in den damaligen Liebesliedern mit wachsender Kühnheit.

Dieser Autor bemerkt weiter:
Eigentlich ist es schade …, dass ein so großer Teil dieser Musik, die dem
durchschnittlichen, amerikanischen Hörer regelrecht verfüttert wird, ihren Maßstab
bezüglich Geschmack und Intelligenz so Tief ansetzt.”

Seite 56 - 59
“Die dortige Bewegung ‚Heiliges Fleisch’ wird von einer starken Kraft begleitet. Sie würde
fast jeden in ihren Bann ziehen, der dieser Sache nur in irgendeiner Weise positiv
gegenüber eingestellt ist, auch wenn er nur dasitzt und mit geringer Begeisterung zuhört.
Es ist die Musik, die in der Feier gespielt wird. Sie haben ein Klavier, einen Kontrabass,
drei Geigen, zwei Flöten, drei Tamburine, drei Hörner, eine große Basstrommel und
vielleicht noch andere Instrumente, die ich nicht bemerkt habe. … Wenn sie eine hohe
Tonlage erreichen, versteht man vom Gesang der Versammlung kein Wort mehr. Eigentlich hört man das Geschrei all jener, die schon halb verrückt sind.

In einen zweiten Brief, den er an Ellen White geschrieben hat, berichtete er, dass etliche
Gläubige entmutigt worden waren. Einige hatten ihre Besuche in den Versammlungen
aufgegeben, und die Gemeinde in Indianapolis war gespalten. Dann beschrieb er noch einmal die Ereignisse, die in Muncie vorgefallen waren:
Aber sie behaupteten, dass, wo immer sie gepredigt hätten, Menschen bekehrt worden wären. Während des Jahres hat es also in der Vereinigung ein ziemlich starkes Wachstum gegeben. Tatsächlich scheint es zu genügen, irgendjemanden zu irgendetwas zu bekehren, wenn sie die Leute auffordern, nach vorne zu kommen, um für sie zu beten, beginnen sie laut zu rufen und auf ihren Instrumenten zu spielen, bis alles im Lärm der Instrumente untergegangen ist. Es ist eine Mischung aus Wahrheit und Irrtum, versehen mit viel Erregung und Musik.

Burton Wade, der damals als junger Mann die Zeltversammlung besucht hatte, schrieb später seine Eindrücke:
Ich besuchte im September 1900 die Zeltversammlung in Muncie, wo ich unmittelbarer Zeuge der fanatischen Erregung und Handlungen dieser Leute wurde. …Wenn … [sie] die
Veranstaltungen im großen Zelt abhielten, versetzten sie sich selbst mit Musikinstrumenten wie Trompeten, Flöten, Streichinstrumenten, Tamburinen, einem Klavier und einer großen Basstrommel in einen hochgradigen Erregungszustand. Sie schrieen und sangen ihre lebhaften Lieder mit Hilfe der Instrumente, bis sie richtiggehend hysterisch wurden. Oftmals sah ich sie nach diesen Vormittagsversammlungen am ganzen Körper zitternd zum Essenszelt kommen,
als wären sie an der Schüttellähmung erkrankt.

In einem Brief, den die Frau von S. N. Haskell an Ellen Whites Sekretärin, Sara McEnterfer, gerichtet hatte, schilderte sie die Besetzung der Instrumente und den Geist der Zeltversammlungen mit ähnlichen Worten wie ihr Ehemann Burton Wade. Sie erwähnte auch das laute Rufen und die Tatsache, dass die verwendeten Lieder wie Tanzmelodien mit geistlichem Text klangen. Viele davon waren einem nichtadventistischem Liederbuch mit dem Titel “Garden of Spices” (Gewürzgarten) entnommen. In ihrem Kummer schrieb Frau Haskell, dass die verkündeten Lehren ganz dieser Musik entsprachen und viele Menschen verwirrten. Nachdem Ellen White die Berichte über die Zeltversammlung in Indiana erhalten hatte, nahm sie umgehend dazu Stellung. Sie wies darauf hin, dass ihr der HERR im Jänner jenes Jahres
gezeigt hatte, dass solche Ereignisse, wie sie in Muncie stattgefunden haben, auf den
Zeltversammlungen der Siebenten-Tags-Adventisten passieren würden. Satanische Kräfte würden hinter diesen Vorkommnissen stehen, und man müsste große Sorgfalt aufwenden, damit sie sich nicht wiederholten. Sie offenbarte, dass unmittelbar vor Ende der Gnadenzeit [von 1996 - 2010] wieder mit dem Auftreten solcher Aktivitäten gerechnet werden könne.
Ihr Zeugnis diese Zeltversammlung betreffend enthält für uns Christen heute eine ernste
Warnung:
Die Vorfälle, die du von Indiana berichtet hast, werden sich - so hat es mir der HERR
gezeigt - am Ende der Gnadenzeit wiederholen. Jede Unsittlichkeit wird öffentlich zur
Schau gestellt werden. Geschrei und Trommeln, Musik und Tanz werden das Durcheinander begleiten. Die Sinne der vernunftbegabten Wesen werden so verwirrt sein, dass sie zu keiner richtigen Entscheidung mehr fähig sind. Und all das wird dann dem Wirken des Heiligen Geistes zugeschrieben.

Es ist niemals die Art und Weise des Heiligen Geistes, sich durch Lärm und Durcheinander zu offenbaren. Dies ist eine Erfindung Satans zur Verschleierung seiner raffinierten Methoden, welche die reine, echte, erhebende, veredelnde und heiligende Wahrheit für diese Zeit unwirksam machen sollen. Es wäre besser, man würde die Gottesanbetung nicht mit Musik vermischen, als dass durch die Musikinstrumente - wie mir schon im Jänner gezeigt worden war - auf unseren Zeltversammlungen Schaden angerichtet würde. Die Wahrheit braucht heute nichts Derartiges für die Arbeit in der Seelengewinnung. Lärm und Unordnung erschüttern die Sinne und pervertieren all das, was ein Segen sein könnte, würde es in rechter Weise angewandt. Die Kräfte der satanischen Werkzeuge vermischen sich mit Verwirrung und Lärm und vermitteln eine Stimmung wie im Karneval, die dann als Werk des Heiligen Geistes bezeichnet wird. …

Diese Art des Gottesdienstes sollte nicht gefördert werden. Derselbe Einfluss machte sich
in der Zeit nach 1844 bemerkbar. Die Erscheinungen waren von der gleichen Art. Die
Menschen gerieten in Erregung und in den Einflussbereich einer Macht, die sie
fälschlicherweise Gott zuschrieben.

Der Heilige Geist hat mit solch verwirrendem Lärm, wovon mir im vergangenem Jänner
berichtet wurde, nichts zu tun. Satan arbeitet inmitten des Lärms und der Verwirrung, die durch solche Musik entsteht. Würde Musik auf eine angemessene Art und Weise aufgeführt, diente sie zu Gottes Lob und Verherrlichung. Satan verleiht ihr jedoch die Wirkung von Schlangengift.

Jene Dinge, die in der Vergangenheit passiert sind, werden auch in der Zukunft passieren.
Satan will die Musik durch die Art der Aufführung zu einem Fallstrick werden lassen. Gott appelliert an sein Volk, das Licht, das es im Wort und Zeugnissen vor sich hat, zu lesen, darüber nachzudenken und es zu beachten. Es hat klare und eindeutige Weisungen gegeben, damit alle sie verstehen können. Aber der brennende Wunsch, etwas Neues zu schaffen, resultiert in irreführenden Lehren und zerstört den Einfluss derer, die zum Guten wirken könnten.

Viele solche Bewegungen werden gerade in dieser Zeit aufkommen, wenn das Werk des HERRN lauter, rein und unverfälscht von Aberglauben und Fabeln dastehen sollte. Wir müssen darauf Acht haben, eine enge Verbindung mit Jesus Christus zu unterhalten, damit wir nicht durch Satans Angriffe irregeführt werden.”

Somit ist also geklärt, dass das Tragen von Kreuzen, die Rock- und Popmusik und der
sonntägliche Glockenschlag aus dem Voodoo-Kult kommt. Der HERR duldet keine Götzen neben sich. Unterscheidet selbst, welche Musik die richtige ist. Ich habe zwei moderne Lieder näher untersucht. Eine von Sylvia Lawaty und eine vom “Lebendigen Buch”. Ihr könnt die Liedteile runterladen.

God verse

In God I have discovered a whole another world that I never new was there. God has lead me down a path that I could never imagine. Also, I have learned thing from God and have got wisbdom and knowledge that noone but God could have gave me. Throw God I have learned how to love again and forgive people for what they had done to me. Not to brill in the past and how to surrend everyday. But picking up my cross was the hardest all and to forgive an forget.

What Work Can We Do?

Posted by: matt allen | Sat, Jan 12, 2008 12:38 pm | Tag(s): Testimonies, Bible Verses, Translations, English, Spanish, Polish, Japanese, Français, Dutch, Hungarian, Bahasa Indonesia, Romanian, German | Write Comment | Permalink |

Do you want to work for the Lord?

Not everyone can be missionaries, bible workers, literature evangelist etcetera. But I do believe if we pray for guidance God will show us in our own neighborhoods what work to do in showing His love and proclaiming the gospel truths and how to do it. And since it says, …”In a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power and who lightens the earth with His Glory… I suggest that one very effective way to do this, is to go as Literature Evangelists and help circulated these truth filled books we are publishing. “In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God. I heard voices of thanksgiving and praise, and there seemed to be a reformation such as we witnessed in 1844. {CH 580.1} Yet some refused to be converted. They were not willing to walk in God’s way, and when, in order that the work of God might be advanced, calls were made for freewill offerings, some clung selfishly to their earthly possessions. These covetous ones became separated from the company of believers.–Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 126 (1909). {CH 580.2}

I think we should pray for revival, reformation, encourage, and recruit church members to do this gospel work of canvassing as Literature Evangelist. And if you cannot do it yourself personaly (like me because of a health disability), you can financially support the work of Literature Evangelism also known as the Colporteur Ministry. We should support this work like never before and of course all other ministries teaching, working to proclaim these truths of light and love the everlasting gospel of God-Christ. I know personally about this work, I worked as a full-time LE for about seven (7) years when I was a younger man. It was the greatest work or experience I ever had in my Christian life. LE.’s are not only selling truth filled books, but they make friends with these people and for those who cannot buy books, they can give them free literature, pray for them, be friend them, help them, etcetera. The LE.’s spends each day of their working hours doing what God considers the most important work on earth, trying to help the unsaved and showing His love, light and truth to them. There is no greater work than that. They are the front-line soldiers sacrificing and working for the Lord.

In the summer of 1980 after working for about two years as a full-time LE. in the New York Conference the Lord blessed my efforts and I ended up leading the whole Atlantic Union in total sales of truth filled books and bibles sold and of free literatue given out, from out of about 200 full-time LE’s. Then the Conference President Elder Skantz at the time, Atlantic Union and New York Publishing Directors and Pastors ordained me with laying on of hands at the Union Springs, New York Camp-meeting, this was a tremendous blessings and privilege for me and as a result of this work some of the people I sold books to were baptized.

From my experience in this work, I have some suggestion on how to do this work to make it more effective in sharing the gospel, also more attractive for Church members to be willing to go forward in faith doing this great work. On a Conference level to make this work more attractive for Church members we could have a better more reasonable compensation plan for our Church members that will go forward doing this work. But also we can go out as lay-people not licensed by the Conference, praying for an organized way to bring this work to revival, but please either way, go out in faith doing this work. We should go out two by two like Christ told His disciples to do. This will also serve as some security for the women and young people that want to do this work, but are concerned about going to strangers homes. Send one who is more experienced in this work with one who is not, so there will be continual training, until that trained person can also go with someone else to train.

On a Conference organized level, compensation could be, not only commissions from the sales of the books and products, but also this could be an organized effort, each local SDA Conference could have a program and there could be a base guaranteed salary for any worker, if that worker puts in at least (35) hours per week and did not earn a minimum amount to compensate them for their expenses, needs etcetera. Also, this could become a good source of employment for many church members, part-time, full-time, retired members, our youth and part-time employment for academy and college students. Ellen White said that this work is equal to that of the ministry. Our ministers receive a salary from the tithe given to the church. It may be that our Church Leadership needs to revive this canvassing work and encourage our people with the need to be more faithful with tithes or offerings to support this work Perhaps the LE.’s could also be compensated in this way: give them a guaranteed minimum base salary that comes from tithes or offerings, only when the sales of the books did not equal a minimum amount of weekly commission agreed upon. But then if in the following weeks the LE’s sales commissions are above the minimum guaranteed base, then that extra commission earned could be deducted a little each of these weeks to pay back the base guarantee that was given to the LE when needed. Also, I suggest that we sell the smaller volumes of truth filled books and bibles, not necessarily the bigger volumes with the Mylar covers and color painting, these books are more expensive. But we need to sell Christ centered books like Patriots and Prophets, Prophets and Kings, Desire of Ages, Acts of Apostles, Great Controversy, (these five books are called the Conflict of the Ages set) also Steps to Christ, Bible Reading for the Home, children Bible books, Ministry of Healing and other well written health books could be sold and training should include medical missionary training to educate the sick people we meet And maybe sell health products-vitamins and cooking books too. But we need to make the books affordable enough for the people to buy, but also profitable enough to sell for the workers needs and expenses.

But also many Church members could buy these smaller books in paper back form from the ABC’s and sell them for a reasonable profit, going out on there own as self-supporting workers-(not licensed by the Conference), in there own cities and communities. For example, if you purchase the Conflict of the Ages set by Ellen White,these five books with the book, ”Bible Readings for the Home” included in paper back form it may cost about $25.-30. per set. If you sell this set for about $60. or each book for $10., per set that is a $30. profit, if you sell only 5 sets each day-that is $150. per day profit. But you can sell much more than 5 sets per day too! But if only 5 sets of books, per day,that is not a bad daily income for anybody and more importantly you are doing the Lord’s work and sharing your love and concern and helping those who are lost.

Now I want to share with you more about what the Lord’s Messenger has to say about this great work from the book Colporteur Ministry. Publications to Go Everywhere.–”Our publications should go everywhere. Let them be issued in many languages. The third angel’s message is to be given through this medium and through the living teacher. You who believe the truth for this time, wake up. It is your duty now to bring in all the means possible to help those who understand the truth to proclaim it. Part of the money that comes in from the sale of our publications should be used to increase our facilities for the production of more literature that will open blind eyes and break up the fallow ground of the heart.–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 62. (1909) {CM 4.2} “There are many places in which the voice of the minister cannot be heard, places which can be reached only by our publications,–the books, papers, and tracts filled with the Bible truths that the people need. Our literature is to be distributed everywhere. The truth is to be sown beside all waters; for we know not which will prosper, this, or that. In our erring judgment we may think it unwise to give literature to the very ones who would accept the truth the most readily. We know not what may be the results of giving away a leaflet containing present truth.– Manuscript 127, 1909. {CM 4.3} “We are fast approaching the end. The printing and circulation of the books and papers that contain the truth for this time are to be our work.–Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 89. (1904) {LPHit14CM 5.1} } “To Lighten the Whole World.–The world is to receive the light of truth through an evangelizing ministry of the word in our books and periodicals.–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 61. (1909) {CM 5.4} From our books and papers bright beams of light are to shine forth to enlighten the world in regard to present truth.–Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 87. (1904) {CM 5.5} “Successful Soul-Saving Ministry.–The canvassing work, properly conducted, is missionary work of the highest order, and it is as good and successful a method as can be employed for placing before the people the important truths for this time. The importance of the work of the ministry is unmistakable; but many who are hungry for the bread of life have not the privilege of hearing the word from God’s delegated preachers. For this reason it is essential that our publications be widely circulated. Thus the message will go where the living preacher cannot go, and the attention of many will be called to the important events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history. {CM 6.1}

“A Work Ordained of God.–God has ordained the canvassing work as a means of presenting before the people the light contained in our books, and canvassers should be impressed with the importance of bringing before the world as fast as possible the books necessary for their spiritual education and enlightenment. This is the very work the Lord would have His people do at this time. All who consecrate themselves to God to work as canvassers are assisting to give the last message of warning to the world. We cannot too highly estimate this work; for were it not for the efforts of the canvasser, many would never hear the warning.–Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 313. (1900) {CM 6.2} (She said that God has ordained the canvassing work… The Lord has and is blessing the use of Television and radio, computers, and other electronic tools in Advent-ism in the proclamation too, of course for many years. But God has ordained the publishing work-canvassing work, I believe we should spend more resources and time reviving and doing this work that God has ordained. It may be the less expensive and most effective and practical way of proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel truths and in getting many church members involved in the Lord’s work too.)

“A Call for Revived Interest.–The importance of the canvassing work is kept ever before me. This work has not of late had the life infused into it which was once given by the agents who made it their specialty. Canvassers have been called from their evangelistic work to engage in other labor. This is not as it should be. Many of our canvassers, if truly converted and consecrated, can accomplish more in this line than in any other in bringing the truth for this time before the people. {CM 7.3} “We have the word of God to show that the end is near. The world is to be warned, and as never before we are to be laborers with Christ. The work of warning has been entrusted to us. We are to be channels of light to the world, imparting to others the light we receive from the great Light Bearer. The words and works of all men are to be tried. Let us not be backward now. That which is to be done in warning the world must be done without delay. Let not the canvassing work be left to languish. Let the books containing the light on present truth be placed before as many as possible. –Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 329. (1900) {CM 7.4} “Equal in Importance to the Ministry.–Canvassers must go out into various parts of the country. The importance of this work is fully equal to that of the ministry. The living preacher and the silent messenger are both required for the accomplishment of the great work before us.–Review and Herald, April 1, 1880. {CM 8.1} “Canvassing for our publications is an important and most profitable line of evangelistic work. Our publications can go to places where meetings cannot be held. In such places the faithful evangelistic canvasser takes the place of the living preacher. By the canvassing work the truth is presented to thousands who otherwise would never hear it.–Review and Herald, Oct. 7, 1902. {CM 8.2} “No Higher Work.–There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing, for it involves the performance of the highest moral duties. Those who engage in this work need always to be under the control of the Spirit of God. There must be no exalting of self. What have any of us that we did not receive from Christ? We must love as brethren, revealing our love by helping one another. We must be pitiful and courteous. We must press together, drawing in even cords. Only those who live the prayer of Christ, working it out in practical life, will stand the test that is to come upon all the world. Those who exalt self place themselves in Satan’s power, preparing to receive his deceptions. The word of the Lord to His people is that we lift the standard higher and still higher. If we obey His voice, He will work with us, and our efforts will be crowned with success. In our work we shall receive rich blessings from on high and shall lay up treasure beside the throne of God. {Colporteur Ministry p. 12.1}

Also, as we go forward in faith praying for the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit we will be empowered to go forth doing this great work enlightening the world with the glory of God.! We need to pray, encourage and work together for revival of the canvassing work to get more men, women and young adults to become Literature Evangelist and in other lines of gospel work to such as bible workers, medical missionaries-health educators etcetera.

“I saw jets of light shining from cities and villages, and from the high places and the low places of the earth. God’s word was obeyed, and as a result there were memorials for Him in every city and village. His truth was proclaimed throughout the world.” Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 28, 29. May the Lord help all who want to do this great work for the Lord and for the salvation of souls dying all around us. Blessings, Matthew

Thoughts on the “Golden Oil” &”Latter Rain”

Encouraging Thoughts from the Lord’s Messenger

“Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.” Great Controversy, pp. 463, 464.

“Some of these persons have exercises which they call gifts and say that the Lord has placed them in the church. They have an unmeaning gibberish which they call the unknown tongue, which is unknown not only by man but by the Lord and all heaven. Such gifts are manufactured by men and women, aided by the great deceiver. Fanaticism, false excitement, false talking in tongues, and noisy exercises have been considered gifts which God has placed in the church. Some have been deceived here. The fruits of all this have not been good. ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits.’ Fanaticism and noise have been considered special evidences of faith. Some are not satisfied with a meeting unless they have a powerful and happy time. They work for this and get up an excitement of feeling. But the influence of such meetings is not beneficial. When the happy flight of feeling is gone, they sink lower than before the meeting because their happiness did not come from the right source. The most profitable meetings for spiritual advancement are those which are characterized with solemnity and deep searching of heart; each seeking to know himself, and earnestly, and in deep humility, seeking to learn of Christ.” Vol. 1, Tests for the Church, p. 412.

“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.” “He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.” In the East the former rain falls at the sowing time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers, the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ… “The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. “There is to be “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. ..But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection…

“It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it. At no point in our experience can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. Yet these alone will not suffice. While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of Christ, ‘Watch unto prayer,’ “Watch, . . . and pray always.” A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door.“Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain.” Do not rest satisfied that in the ordinary course of the season, rain will fall. Ask for it. The growth and perfection of the seed rests not with the husbandman. God alone can ripen the harvest. But man’s co-operation is required. God’s work for us demands the action of our mind, the exercise of our faith. We must seek His favors with the whole heart if the showers of grace are to come to us. We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. Christ has said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.” The convocations of the church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.“But let none think that in attending these gatherings, their duty is done. A mere attendance upon all the meetings that are held will not in itself bring a blessing to the soul. It is not an immutable law that all who attend general gatherings or local meetings shall receive large supplies from heaven. The circumstances may seem to be favorable for a rich outpouring of the showers of grace. But God Himself must command the rain to fall. Therefore we should not be remiss in supplication. We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend, that at this very time God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised. “The continued communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is represented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us. The prophet says: “The angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, and said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: and two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? . . . Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. . . . And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? . . . Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. “From the two olive trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence, His Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God’s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the church becomes a light bearer in the world. “This is the work that the Lord would have every soul prepared to do at this time, when the four angels are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. There is no time now for self-pleasing. The lamps of the soul must be trimmed. They must be supplied with the oil of grace. Every precaution must be taken to prevent spiritual declension, lest the great day of the Lord overtake us as a thief in the night. Every witness for God is now to work intelligently in the lines which God has appointed. We should daily obtain a deep and living experience in the work of perfecting Christian character. We should daily receive the holy oil, that we may impart to others. All may be light bearers to the world if they will. We are to sink self out of sight in Jesus. We are to receive the word of the Lord in counsel and instruction, and gladly communicate it. There is now need of much prayer. Christ commands, “Pray without ceasing;” that is, keep the mind uplifted to God, the source of all power and efficiency.“We may have long followed the narrow path, but it is not safe to take this as proof that we shall follow it to the end. If we have walked with God in fellowship of the Spirit, it is because we have sought Him daily by faith. From the two olive trees the golden oil flowing through the golden pipes has been communicated to us. But those who do not cultivate the spirit and habit of prayer cannot expect to receive the golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness, love… Everyone is to keep himself separate from the world, which is full of iniquity. We are not to walk with God for a time, and then part from His company and walk in the sparks of our own kindling. There must be a firm continuance, a perseverance in acts of faith. We are to praise God; to show forth His glory in a righteous character. No one of us will gain the victory without persevering, untiring effort, proportionate to the value of the object which we seek, even eternal life. “The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Ask for His blessing. It is time we were more intense in our devotion. To us is committed the arduous, but happy, glorious work of revealing Christ to those who are in darkness. We are called to proclaim the special truths for this time. For all this the outpouring of the Spirit is essential. We should pray for it. The Lord expects us to ask Him. We have not been wholehearted in this work. “What can I say to my brethren in the name of the Lord? What proportion of our efforts has been made in accordance with the light the Lord has been pleased to give? We cannot depend upon form or external machinery. What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.” Testimonies to Ministers 506-512. Blessings, Matthew

The Next Sabbatical Year Begins this Fall

Seventh-day Adventists as a group are probably more interested in true Sabbath keeping than any other group on Earth, or isn’t that true?

Having grown up in a SDA home I’ve always valued our Sabbaths. Sometimes I’ve been wondering about the Sabbath years and why we are not keeping a Sabbath year. My answer has always been “I have no idea which year that would be.”

I’ve heard that there are conflicting ideas even among the Jews and others interested in this issue and that some believe it should be kept from fall to fall while others believe it should be kept from spring to spring and that no one is real certain even then which year it truly is.

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Well, those excuses are now fallen by the way side. At least for me. While studying New Testament chronology quite intensively over the last several years I’ve been blessed with learning many things re biblical time reckoning that I never knew before. God has been showing me one item after another from day to day directly in the Scriptures that I had never noticed before even though I’ve been reading my bible more or less regularly all my life. To my surprise I’ve found not only that Jesus and his disciples were always very careful to observe God’s calendar and the three Feasts appointed as eternal blessings for the People of God, but also that Josephus is using all of the intricacies of biblical time reckoning also. Thus I have grown to trust Josephus as a very exact and conscientious historian who very carefully recorded every time reference in his historical works meticulously and in accord with the truth, or at least I’ve found his records perfectly reliable within the time period I’ve been focusing upon, which is from 49 BCE [BC] through 77 CE [AD.]

This past week I was focusing upon the events surrounding the 46 years referenced in Luke 2:20, when suddenly I realized that Josephus was quite carefully identifying for me a Sabbatical year which began Tishri 22, 44 BCE and ended Tishri 21, 43 BC just 11 days after Herod the Great concurred Jerusalem.

Naturally I quickly calculated what the corresponding Sabbatical years in our time would be. The next Sabbatical year begins Tishri 22, 2008, i.e. this fall. Exactly when that day will fall as reckoned in a Roman Catholic calendar like the Gregorian calendar is still undetermined as it depends upon when the barley ripens this spring and when the new moon crescent is first seen in he seventh biblical month. However it will be either September 22 or 23 or else October 22 as best I can tell.

Well, I am thinking there just might be one or two among all of those true Sabbath loving people out there who might be interested in this little Scriptural treasure re Sabbatical years in our days. I for one have no doubts but that there are showers of blessings in accepting and keeping for our land its Sabbath rest just as we continue reaping the many blessings of true Seventh Day Sabbath keeping.

What lays ahead of us now is the Preparation Year in which God has promised for his People a triple harvest… Cf. Leviticus 25:21!

But, if we will not sow, what will we reap?

Is this a hint perhaps?: The last Sabbatical year should probably be reckoned as having begun on the day we all remember as “September 11, 2001…”

May God, our Creator, bless each of His Sabbath keeping Sons and Daughters abundantly!

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Very Impressed

I wached Dany Shelton interview Pastor Myers on 3ABN about Operation Global Rain 360 and I was blown away. I plan to tell my church this coming Sabbath, and get them to get involved. I believe the Lord Jesus is ready to come but he is waiting on us to get our act together. Keep on the good work, and God bless.

Word of God

“1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.
2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 THEN shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”(Ps 67:1-7)

information

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul-temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. {CET 189.2}

We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Verse 18. {CET 189.3}

The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God. God cannot pour out His Spirit when selfishness and self-indulgence are so manifest; when a spirit prevails that, if put into words, would express that answer of Cain,– “Am I my brother’s keeper?”–R. & H., July 21, 1896. {CS 52.1}

Jesus is coming soon and very soon

I would not say I know when, but I heard something in the back of my head say rejoice rejoice for the kingdom is at hand. Then I heard look up, look up, your redemption draweth nigh. I did not study God’s word as much as I should have, but I know my mother who has passed away prayed for me when I went astray. Praise God for prayer. I also just studied and found that Saturday is the Lord’s day. I love 3ABN and The Billy Graham’s Training Center Bible. I do believe we are in the last days of this earth’s history. Just look around. The signs are here already. The only way we can make it is realizing the Blood of Jesus is the only thing that covers us. I used to think it was in the Cross, which we cherish…but the Power is in the Blood Of JESUS CHRIST. I keep looking up, as lighting flashes from the east to the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be. I do know that one. Through Jesus all things were made. All things are possible with God. Just believe. I love Jesus Christ so much. I used to want to see my family who have passed away at the resurection, now I want to see Jesus first, then my family. JESUS IS COMING SOON-I’M STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD!

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